American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius, Panacis quinquefolis) is a herbaceous
perennial plant in the
ivy family, commonly used as Chinese or
traditional medicine. It is native to eastern
North America, though it is also cultivated in
China.[3][4] Since the 18th century, American ginseng (P. quinquefolius) has been primarily exported to Asia, where it is highly valued for its cooling and sedative medicinal effects. It is considered to represent the cooling yin qualities, while Asian ginseng embodies the warmer aspects of yang.[5]

Contents

Description

The aromatic root of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) resembles a small parsnip that forks as it matures. The plant grows 6" to 18" tall, usually bearing three leaves, each with three to five leaflets, 2" to 5" long.

Range map of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius).

American Ginseng can be found in much of the eastern and central United States and in part of southeastern Canada.[6] It is found primarily in deciduous forests of the
Appalachian and
Ozark regions of the United States.[7] American ginseng is found in full shade environments in these deciduous forests underneath hardwoods.[8] Due to this very specialized growing environment and its demand in the commercial market it has started to reach an endangered status in some areas. It can be found throughout eastern Canada and the northeastern United States.[9]

Chemical components

Like Panax ginseng, American ginseng contains
dammarane-type
ginsenosides, or
saponins, as the major biologically active constituents. Dammarane-type ginsenosides include two classifications: 20(S)-
protopanaxadiol (PPD) and 20(S)-
protopanaxatriol (PPT). American ginseng contains high levels of Rb1, Rd (PPD classification), and Re (PPT classification) ginsenosides—higher than that of P. ginseng in one study.[11]

When taken orally, PPD-type ginsenosides are mostly metabolized by intestinal bacteria (
anaerobes) to PPD monoglucoside, 20-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (M1).[12] In humans, M1 is detected in plasma starting seven hours after intake of PPD-type ginsenosides and in urine starting 12 hours after intake. These findings indicate M1 is the final metabolite of PPD-type ginsenosides.[13]

M1 is referred to in some articles as IH-901,[14] and in others as compound-K.[13]

Traditional medicine

The plant's root and leaves were used in
traditional medicine by
Native Americans. Since the 18th century, the roots have been collected by "sang hunters" and sold to Chinese or Hong Kong traders, who often pay high prices for particularly old wild roots.[15] Originally, American ginseng was imported into China via subtropical
Guangzhou, the seaport next to
Hong Kong.[citation needed] Since American ginseng was originally imported into China via a subtropical seaport, Chinese doctors believed American ginseng must be good for yin, because it came from a hot area. They did not know, however, that American ginseng can only grow in temperate regions. Nonetheless, the root is legitimately classified as more yin because it generates fluids.[16]

There is no evidence that American ginseng is effective against the
common cold[17][18] or how severe the infections are.[18] There is tentative evidence that it may lessen the length of sickness when used preventively.[18]

Cold-fX is a product derived from the roots of North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). The makers of Cold-fX were criticized for making
health claims about the product that have never been tested or verified scientifically. Health Canada's review of the scientific literature confirmed that this is not a claim that the manufacturer is entitled to make.[19]

Adverse effects

Individuals requiring
anticoagulant therapy such as
warfarin should avoid use of ginseng.[17] It is not recommended for individuals with impaired liver or renal function, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding.[17] Other adverse effects include: headaches, anxiety, trouble sleeping and an upset stomach.[17]

Recent studies have shown that through the many cultivated procedures that American ginseng is grown, fungal molds, pesticides, and various metals and residues have contaminated the crop. Though these contaminating effects are not considerably substantial, they do pose health concerns that could lead to neurological problems, intoxication, cardiovascular disease and cancer.[20]

Production

American
ginseng was formerly particularly widespread in the
Appalachian and
Ozark regions (and adjacent forested regions such as
Pennsylvania,
New York and
Ontario). Due to its popularity and unique habitat requirements, the wild plant has been
overharvested, as well as lost through destruction of its habitat, and is thus rare in most parts of the United States and Canada.[21] Ginseng is also negatively affected by deer browsing, urbanization, and habitat fragmentation.[22] It can be grown commercially, under artificial shade, woods-cultivated, or wild-simulated methods, and is usually harvested after three to four years, depending on cultivation technique; the wild-simulated method often requires up to 10 years before harvest.

Ontario, Canada is the world's largest producer of North American ginseng.[23][24]Marathon County, Wisconsin, accounts for about 95% of production in the United States.[25] Woods-grown American ginseng programs in Vermont, Maine, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Colorado, West Virginia, and Kentucky,[26] have been encouraging the planting of ginseng both to restore natural habitats and to remove pressure from any remaining wild ginseng.

References

^Panax_quinquefolius L., from "American medical botany being a collection of the native medicinal plants of the United States, containing their botanical history and chemical analysis, and properties and uses in medicine, diet and the arts" by Jacob Bigelow,1786/7-1879. Publication in Boston by Cummings and Hilliard,1817-1820.